Alice Springs

Travel Guide

Red Centre
Anzac Hill showing landscape views, a small town or village and a sunset
Ormiston Gorge showing a pond and a gorge or canyon
Anzac Hill which includes landscape views and a small town or village
Alice Springs which includes desert views and tranquil scenes
Whether you want to experience the natural beauty of Australia's Red Center or explore the history of the area, this outback town offers a unique Aussie experience.

Alice Springs is a small town in the very center of Australia. It is surrounded by desert and scrubland on all sides and is an equal 930 miles (1500 kilometers) from Darwin in the north and Adelaide in the south. The town was founded as far back as the 1870s, but the population remained low until it became a major staging area for soldiers during the Second World War. It’s the primary transport hub and distribution center for Central Australia, but still feels as far from the rest of the world as you can possibly get.

Fill up on water, pack some lunch, and head out to explore the MacDonnell Ranges. The ridges and gorges are dotted with watering holes and sacred Aboriginal sites. Walk a leg of the Larapinta Trail to see some of its more spectacular areas or even take a few weeks to tackle the entire 139 mile (223 kilometer) trail. If that’s a bit too extreme, tour the desert on camel back or jump on a quad bike.

For one of the best views in the region, climb Mount Gillen. It’s a tough trek and should be avoided at the peak of summer, but getting to the summit is well worth the effort. Learn about local flora and fauna at Alice Springs Desert Park. For a closer look at some of Central Australia’s most fascinating creatures, check out the Alice Springs Reptile Centre.

Any history buffs should head to one of the town’s many museums. Drop by the Aboriginal Australia Culture Centre to learn about native Australians or spend a couple of hours browsing the collection at the Adelaide House Museum. Art lovers should note that Alice Springs is a center of indigenous art, with several galleries scattered around town. Be sure to check out the collection at the Araluen Arts and Cultural Centre.

Alice Springs is a town at the heart of a region like no other. Surrounded by the red deserts of Central Australia and home to some excellent cultural institutions, it’s not a place you’ll forget.

Where to stay in Alice Springs

Alice Springs showing golf and tranquil scenes as well as a small group of people

Desert Springs

Travelers come to Desert Springs for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Alice Springs Golf Club and Lasseters Casino while you're in town.

Desert Springs
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Ross

You'll enjoy the restaurants and sporting events in Ross. You might want to make time for a stop at Frontier Camel Farm or Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Ross
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The Gap

Unique features of The Gap include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by Alice Springs Transport Heritage Centre or Royal Flying Doctor Service while you're exploring the area.

The Gap
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Sadadeen

When in Sadadeen, you can plan a visit to Todd Mall and Alice Springs Golf Club, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Sadadeen
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East Side

Travelers come to East Side for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Joint Geological-Geophysical Reserve and Alice Springs Telegraph Station Historical Reserve while you're in town.

East Side
Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park showing desert views

Mount Johns

Mount Johns is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Heavitree Gap and Yeperenye-Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Park.

Mount Johns
Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs
Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs
3.5 out of 5
20 Gregory Terrace, Corner Hartley St and Gregory Terra, Alice Springs, NT
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly motel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Everthing"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Diplomat Hotel Alice Springs
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG
Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG
4.5 out of 5
93 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
$107 nightly
The price is $118 total per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
$118 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Easy and convenient"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters by IHG
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
4.5 out of 5
82 Barrett Drive, Desert Springs, NT
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$115 nightly
The price is $127 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$127 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (994 reviews)
"Scenic and quiet location yet only 5 min from town centre. Comfortable stay."

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Alice Springs
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Quest Alice Springs
Quest Alice Springs
4.5 out of 5
9-10 South Terrace, The Gap, NT
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Alice Springs Golf Club ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (368 reviews)
"Staff really make an effort to make sure you are comfortable"

Reviewed on Jun 24, 2025

Quest Alice Springs
Vatu Sanctuary
Vatu Sanctuary
2.5 out of 5
18 Knuckey Avenue, Braitling, NT
Stay at this apartment in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Anzac Hill and Alice Springs Telegraph Station are ...
Excellent place in Alice Springs
"I stayed in a studio which was very spacious and comfortable. It has all modern amenities. Communal areas are great! I specially liked the artwork in the rooms and outside. Overall fantastic place."

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2017

Vatu Sanctuary
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
The Gap
Stay at this vacation home in Alice Springs. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Royal Flying Doctor Service and National ...
Telegraph Terrace, Alice Springs
"Perfect for 3 couples with 3 vehicles for 3 days. Large front garden area for parking all vehicles: 1car+van and 2 Ford Rangers with slide-ons. Very easy access, walking distance to shops, Olive Pink Botanical Gardens, etc. Very comfortable, clean, all facilities we needed. Great stop to consolidate ..."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2024

4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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